Wilkes-Barre Area High School is a high school in the Wilkes-Barre Area School District, located in Plains, Pennsylvania. The student body mascot is the Wolfpack. The school opened in August 2021, replacing James M. Coughlin High School, G. A. R.
Serving 2,470 students in grades 9-12, Wilkes-barre Area High School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in Pennsylvania for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 17% (which is lower than the Pennsylvania state average of 38%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 44% (which is lower than the Pennsylvania state average of 55%).
The student-teacher ratio of 21:1 is higher than the Pennsylvania state level of 13:1.
Minority enrollment is 71% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is higher than the Pennsylvania state average of 39% (majority Hispanic and Black).
Quick Facts (2025)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 2,470 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 21:1
- Minority Enrollment: 71%
- Graduation Rate: 78% (Btm 50% in PA)
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50%
- Math Proficiency: 17% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 44% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 6-9% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), PA Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Wilkes-barre Area High School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Pennsylvania for:
Category
Attribute
Diversity
School Overview
Wilkes-barre Area High School's student population of 2,470 students has grown by 12% over five school years.
The teacher population of 115 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
Total Students
2,470 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
115 teachers
Year Founded
2021
School Rankings
Wilkes-barre Area High School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 2,733 schools in Pennsylvania (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Wilkes-barre Area High School is 0.66, which is more than the diversity score at state average of 0.59. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#2181 out of 2733 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
17%
38%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
44%
55%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
6-9%
57%
Student-Teacher Ratio
21:1
13:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
1%
5%
Hispanic
48%
15%
Black
15%
14%
White
29%
61%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
7%
5%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
78%
87%
Eligible for Free Lunch
100%
60%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), PA Dept. of Education
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Wilkes-barre Area High School's ranking?
Wilkes-barre Area High School is ranked #2181 out of 2,733 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Pennsylvania.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
17% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 38% PA state average), while 44% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 55% PA state average).
What is the graduation rate of Wilkes-barre Area High School?
The graduation rate of Wilkes-barre Area High School is 78%, which is lower than the Pennsylvania state average of 87%.
How many students attend Wilkes-barre Area High School?
2,470 students attend Wilkes-barre Area High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
48% of Wilkes-barre Area High School students are Hispanic, 29% of students are White, 15% of students are Black, 7% of students are Two or more races, and 1% of students are Asian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Wilkes-barre Area High School?
Wilkes-barre Area High School has a student ration of 21:1, which is higher than the Pennsylvania state average of 13:1.
What grades does Wilkes-barre Area High School offer ?
Wilkes-barre Area High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12
What school district is Wilkes-barre Area High School part of?
Wilkes-barre Area High School is part of Wilkes-Barre Area School District.
School Reviews
Review Wilkes-barre Area High School. Reviews should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
Recent Articles
Why Single-Sex Public Schools are Growing in Popularity
This article examines the growing trend of single-sex public schools in the United States. It explores the potential benefits, research findings, and controversies surrounding gender-specific education, as well as the factors driving its increasing popularity among parents and educators.
When Teachers Cheat: The Standardized Test Controversies
Teachers across the country are being accused of cheating on standardized tests, using erasers to conveniently change their students’ answers. However, are these teachers driven to cheat because the funding system is flawed?
When Field Trips Turn Deadly: Who is Responsible?
Recent deaths during field trips have parents and school officials questioning the safety of these excursions. Learn about these tragedies and what parameters should be in place to ensure a safe field trip.
